Bidspirit auction | Rare WW2 US Navy Dive

Rare WW2 US Navy Dive Knife Vince Forge Co - The US Navy Standard Dive Knife, a stalwart piece of nautical equipment, boasts a well-defined look. However, during the 1930s and World War II, the Vince Forge Company of Easton, Pennsylvania, delivered a unique variation. These Vince-made knives for the US government stand out for their distinct features. Three key elements set Vince knives apart. The most striking is the swivel ring at the handle's end, a helpful addition absent from standard specifications and unseen in other manufacturers' knives. Vince also implemented a different sawtooth configuration, with 13 teeth per inch compared to the standard 12. While the exact reason for Vince's deviations remains unknown, surviving examples suggest they received smaller contracts during the war mobilization for equipment. Today, collectors of vintage diving gear consider the Vince knife, especially with the intact swivel ring, among the top three most challenging World War II dive knives to acquire. This particular Vince knife is in good, well-used condition. The varnished maple handle has a dark, aged patina with numerous cracks. The brass swivel loop rotates easily and is intact. The brass sheath is in very nice condition. The stainless steel has extensive surface pitting from use decades ago. This example is a good opportunity to add an authentic Vince knife to your collection without spending top dollar for a pristine example. Please review all photographs for additional details and overall condition. It is also important to do your homework on local import laws, especially regarding knives; Nations Attic cannot be held responsible for shipping charges if customs denies delivery, and since we don't offer refunds for customs issues, any rejected items will be consigned into a future sale. We want your items to arrive exactly as described, so we ship everything fully insured via FedEx or USPS Priority Mail with a signature required upon delivery. We're happy to ship worldwide, but please keep in mind that international payments must be made via bank wire. For a fast, accurate shipping quote before the auction starts, just email us your postal code and we'll get you a quote.